Vehicle-mountable child protective device

ABSTRACT

A vehicle-mountable child protective system including a vehicle door mountable device including a flag portion which is raisable to a raised position above a. roof of a vehicle and a flag positioning assembly operative to selectably lock the flag portion in the raised position when the vehicle door mountable device is mounted onto a vehicle door and the vehicle door is closed, a remote controller and electronic circuitry responsive to exceedance of a separation distance between the vehicle door mountable device and the remote controller for producing a warning alert at least at the remote controller and retaining the flag portion in the raised position until the vehicle door is opened.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Reference is hereby made to applicant assignee's PCT patent applicationPCT/IL2018/050079, filed Jan. 22, 2018 and entitled VEHICLE-MOUNTABLECHILD PROTECTIVE DEVICE, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to child safety devices and moreparticularly to devices for providing an alert if a child is left in avehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various devices are known for providing an alert if a child is left in avehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an improved device for providingan alert if a child is left in a vehicle.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention a vehicle-mountable child protective system includinga vehicle door mountable device including a flag portion which israisable to a raised position above a roof of a vehicle and a flagpositioning assembly operative to selectably lock the flag portion inthe raised position when the vehicle door mountable device is mountedonto a vehicle door and the vehicle door is closed, a remote controllerand electronic circuitry responsive to exceedance of a separationdistance between the vehicle door mountable device and the remotecontroller for producing a warning alert at least at the remotecontroller and retaining the flag portion in the raised position untilthe vehicle door is opened.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thevehicle door mountable device also includes a vehicle interiortemperature sensor and the electronic circuitry is also responsive toexceedance of a threshold vehicle interior temperature for producing awarning alert at least at the remote controller.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thevehicle door mountable device includes a housing which is mountable ontoa vehicle door and includes a first housing element, which is at leastpartially located within the vehicle during operation of the device, anda second housing element, which is at least partially located outsidethe vehicle during operation of the device and a flag element, includingthe flag portion and a flag base, rotatable mounted onto the firsthousing element for selectable rotational positioning thereof about anaxis and the flag positioning assembly is mounted onto the first housingelement and located at least partially between the first and secondhousing elements and is operative for automatically rotating the flagbase and thus the flag portion about the axis to the raised positionoutside of and above the vehicle upon opening of the vehicle door ontowhich the vehicle door mountable device is mounted.

Preferably, the flag positioning assembly includes a flag positioningcoil spring, which urges the flag portion to the raised position from alowered operative orientation. Additionally, the flag positioningassembly is operative to enable the flag base and the flag portion tohave two different principal lowered operative orientations, eachtypically at a rotational distance approximately 90 degrees from theraised position in opposite directions about the axis.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theflag positioning assembly preferably includes a flag positioning elementwhich axially engages the first housing element and the flag base alongthe axis and a flag positioning vehicle engagement element which engagesthe flag positioning element and is rotatable with respect thereto aboutthe axis in order to conform to various vehicle configurations,

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theflag positioning assembly preferably includes a first flag engagementelement, a second flag engagement element and a third flag engagementelement, which functions as a base for the flag positioning assembly.

Preferably, the vehicle door mountable device also includes a flexibleretaining element, which is mounted onto the first housing element andis employed for retaining the vehicle door mountable device onto thevehicle door.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thevehicle door mountable device also includes a first microswitchresponsive to closing of the vehicle door onto which the vehicle doormountable device is mounted and a second microswitch responsive to theflag portion being in the raised position.

Preferably, the flag positioning element is a generally cylindrical sideto side symmetric element having an outer cylindrical wall formed with aplurality of elongate recesses, a circumferential recess and a pluralityof recesses, which extend from the circumferential recess. Additionallyor alternatively, the flag positioning vehicle engagement element isadapted for selectable rotational orientation relative to the flagpositioning element, thereby to adapt the vehicle-mountable childprotective device for use with various vehicle configurations.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thesystem has a plurality of operative orientations including a firstoperative orientation in which the vehicle-mountable child protectivedevice is in an unmounted or flag lowered, door-opened orientation inwhich the flag is locked in a lowered position by a first lockingmechanism and a second operative orientation in which thevehicle-mounted child protective device is in a mounted and flaglowered, door-closed orientation and the flag is locked in the loweredposition by a second locking mechanism, different from the first lockingmechanism. Additionally, in the second operative orientation the flag islocked in the lowered position only by the second locking mechanism.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theplurality of operative orientations also includes a third operativeorientation in which the vehicle-mounted child protective device is in amounted and flag raised, door-opened orientation in which the flagportion is in the raised position.

Preferably, the plurality of operative orientations also includes afourth operative orientation in which the vehicle-mounted childprotective device is in a mounted and flag raised, door-closedorientation wherein the flag is locked in the raised orientation.Additionally, in the fourth operative orientation the vehicle-mountedchild protective device is in communication with a remote controller andintegrity of the communication is being monitored.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theplurality of operative orientations also includes a fifth operativeorientation in which the vehicle-mounted child protective device is nolonger in communication with the remote controller due to exceedance ofa maximum distance between the remote controller and the vehicle-mountedchild protective device and the remote controller and thevehicle-mounted child protective device both provide a human sensiblewarning.

Preferably, the plurality of operative orientations also includes atemperature exceedance operative orientation in which thevehicle-mounted child protective device senses exceedance of apredetermined temperature within the vehicle and at least thevehicle-mounted child protective device provides a human sensiblewarning of temperature exceedance.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a method for providing a warning of a childbeing left in a vehicle, the method including mounting onto a door of avehicle, a vehicle door mountable device including a flag portion whichis raisable to a raised position above a roof of the vehicle and a flagpositioning assembly operative to selectably lock the flag in the raisedposition when the vehicle door mountable device is mounted onto avehicle door and the vehicle door is closed, establishing wirelesscommunication between the vehicle door mountable device and a remotecontroller and responsive to exceedance of a separation distance betweenthe vehicle door mountable device and the remote controller, producing awarning alert at least at the remote controller and retaining the flagportion in the raised position until the door of the vehicle is opened.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thevehicle door mountable device also includes a vehicle interiortemperature sensor and the method also includes providing a warningalert of exceedance of a threshold interior temperature in the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are simplified pictorial illustrations, taken in mutuallydifferent directions, of a vehicle-mountable child protective deviceconstructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention in a first operative orientation;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are respective simplified planar front view and side viewillustrations of the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS.1 & 2 in the first operative orientation;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are simplified exploded view illustrations, taken inmutually different directions, of the vehicle-mountable child protectivedevice of FIGS. 1-4;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are simplified pictorial illustrations, taken inmutually different directions, of a first housing element cover elementforming part of the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS.1-5B;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are simplified pictorial illustrations, taken inmutually different directions, of a battery cover element forming partof the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-6B;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are simplified pictorial illustrations, taken inmutually different directions, of a circuit board forming part of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-7B;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are simplified pictorial illustrations, taken inmutually different directions, of a flag positioning element formingpart of the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-8B;

FIGS. 9C and 9D are respective simplified sectional illustrations, takenalong respective lines C-C and D-D in FIGS. 9A & 9B;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are simplified pictorial illustrations, taken inmutually different directions, of a flag positioning vehicle engagementelement forming part of the vehicle-mountable child protective device ofFIGS. 1-9D;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are simplified pictorial illustrations, taken inmutually different directions, of a retaining element forming part ofthe vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-10B;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are simplified pictorial illustrations, taken inmutually different directions, of a flag element forming part of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-11B;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are simplified pictorial illustrations, taken inmutually different directions, of an environmental sealing elementforming part of the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS.1-12B;

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are respective simplified pictorial exploded viewand first and second assembled view illustrations, taken in mutuallydifferent directions, of a flexible conductor assembly forming part ofthe vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-13B;

FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C are respective simplified first and secondpictorial illustrations, taken in mutually different directions, and aplanar illustration of a first flag engagement element forming part ofthe vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-14C;

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D and 16E are, respectively, simplified pictorialand planar illustrations, taken in mutually different directions, and asectional illustration of an outdoor circuitry housing portion elementforming part of the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS.1-15C, FIG. 16E being taken along lines E-E in FIG. 16C;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are respective simplified first and second pictorialillustrations, taken in mutually different directions, of an outdoorcircuitry housing portion cover element, forming part of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-16C;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are simplified pictorial illustrations, taken inmutually different directions, of a cable cover element forming part ofthe vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-17B;

FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D and 19E are respective simplified pictorial andplanar illustrations, taken in mutually different directions, and asectional illustration of a third flag engagement element forming partof the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-18B, FIG.19E being taken along lines E-E in FIG. 19C;

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D are simplified pictorial and planarillustrations, taken in mutually different directions, of a firsthousing element forming part of the vehicle-mountable child protectivedevice of FIGS. 1-22B;

FIGS. 20E and 20F are simplified respective planar sectional andpictorial sectional illustrations of the first housing element of FIGS.20A-20D, both taken along section lines F-F in FIG. 20A;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are simplified pictorial illustrations, taken inmutually different directions, of a solar electricity generating panelforming part of the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS.1-20C;

FIGS. 22A and 22B are simplified pictorial illustrations, taken inmutually different directions, of a solar panel engagement elementforming part of the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS.1-21B;

FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D and 23E are respective simplified pictorial andplanar illustrations, taken in mutually different directions, and asectional illustration of a second housing element, forming part of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-19C, FIG. 23E beingtaken along lines E-E in FIG. 23A;

FIG. 24 is a simplified, partially cut-away illustration of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-23D illustrating acable connection to the solar electricity generating panel of FIGS. 21E& 21B;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are simplified respective first and second pictorialillustrations, taken in mutually different directions, of a printedcircuit board mounted in outdoor circuitry housing portion of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-24;

FIGS. 26A and 26B are simplified respective first and second pictorialillustrations, taken in mutually different directions, of a printedcircuit board mounted onto the second housing portion of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-24;

FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C are simplified respective pictorial assembledview, exploded view and sectional illustrations of a flag positionresponsive switch circuit assembly forming part of the vehicle-mountablechild protective device of FIGS. 24, FIG. 27C being taken along linesC-C in FIG. 27A;

FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C are simplified illustrations of the flagpositioning assembly forming part of the vehicle-mountable childprotective device of FIGS. 1-27C in three alternative flag positions;

FIGS. 29A and 29B are respective simplified pictorial and sectionalillustrations of the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS.1-28C in a first operative orientation, FIG. 29B being taken along linesB-B in FIG. 29A;

FIGS. 30A and 30B are respective simplified pictorial and sectionalillustrations of the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS.1-28C in a second operative orientation, FIG. 30B being taken alonglines B-B in FIG. 30A;

FIGS. 31A and 31B are respective simplified pictorial and sectionalillustrations of the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS.1-28C in a third operative orientation, FIG. 31B being taken along linesB-B in FIG. 31A;

FIGS. 32A and 32B are respective simplified pictorial and sectionalillustrations of the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS.1-28C in a fourth operative orientation, FIG. 32B being taken alonglines B-B in FIG. 33A;

FIGS. 33A, 33B, 33C and 33D are simplified pictorial illustrations ofmounting of the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-28Con a vehicle door;

FIGS. 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E, 34F, 34G and 34H are simplified pictorialillustrations of the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS.1-28C in various operative orientations; and

FIG. 35 is a simplified flow chart indicating various operative stagesof the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-34H.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-5B, which are simplified illustrationsof a vehicle-mountable child protective device 100, constructed andoperative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

As seen in FIGS. 1-5B, the vehicle-mountable child protective device 100preferably includes a housing which is mountable onto a vehicle door,preferably as described hereinbelow in detail with reference to FIGS.33A-33D, and includes a first housing element 110, described hereinbelowwith reference to FIGS. 20A-20F, which is at least partially locatedwithin the vehicle during operation of the device, and a second housingelement 120, described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 23A-23E,which is at least partially located outside the vehicle when the device100 is mounted onto the vehicle.

A flag element 130, described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 12A &12B, includes a flag portion 131, which is preferably integrally formed,as by co-molding, with a flag base 132, and is rotatably mounted ontofirst housing element 110 for selectable rotational positioning thereofabout an axis 134.

A flag positioning assembly, mounted onto first housing element 110 andlocated at least partially between first and second housing elements 110and 120, is operative for automatically rotating the flag base 132 andthus the flag portion 131 to a raised position outside of and above thevehicle upon opening of the door onto which the device 100 is mounted.

The flag positioning assembly preferably includes a flag positioningcoil spring 142, which urges the flag element 130 and the flag portion131 to an upright, raised operative orientation from a lowered operativeorientation. The flag base 132 and the flag portion 131 may have twodifferent principal lowered operative orientations, each typically atapproximately 90 degrees to the upright, raised operative orientation inmutually opposite directions about axis 134.

The flag positioning assembly preferably also comprises a flagpositioning element 150, which is described hereinbelow with referenceto FIGS. 9A-9D. Flag positioning element 150 axially engages firsthousing element 110 and flag base 132 along axis 134. The flagpositioning assembly also preferably comprises a flag positioningvehicle engagement element 160, which is described hereinbelow withreference to FIGS. 10A & 10B. Flag positioning vehicle engagementelement 160 engages flag positioning element 150 and is rotatable withrespect thereto about axis 134 in order to conform to various vehicleconfigurations.

The flag positioning assembly also preferably comprises a first flagengagement element 170, which is described hereinbelow with reference toFIGS. 15A-15C, a second flag engagement element 180, which is preferablya conventional wave spring, such as a SSB-0087 spring commerciallyavailable from Smalley of Lake Zurich, Ill., USA, and a third flagengagement element 190 which functions as a base for the flagpositioning assembly and which is described hereinbelow with referenceto FIGS. 19A-19E.

A flexible retaining element 200, which is described hereinbelow withreference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, is mounted onto first housing element110 and is employed for retaining the child protective device 100 ontothe door of a vehicle, as described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS.33A-33D. Also mounted onto first housing element 110 are anenvironmental sealing element 210, which is described hereinbelow withreference to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a first housing element cover element220, which is described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B,and a battery cover element 230, which is described hereinbelow withreference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. A battery 232 is seated in first housingelement cover element 220 and covered by battery cover element 230.Enclosed within first housing element 110 and covered by first housingelement cover element 220 are battery contacts 234 and a circuit board240, which is described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

Associated with first housing element 110 is a flexible conductorassembly, which is described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 14A-14Cand includes a flexible conductor support 242 and a flexible conductorcable 244. Preferably, two or more different colored LEDs (not shown)are provided on first housing element 110.

Mounted on second housing element 120 is an outdoor circuitry assembly246, which is illustrated in FIGS. 27A-27C and includes an outdoorcircuitry housing portion element 250, which is described hereinbelowwith reference to FIGS. 16A-16E, and an outdoor circuitry housingportion element cover 260, which is described hereinbelow with referenceto FIGS. 17A & 17B. Enclosed by elements 250 and 260 is an electricalcircuit board 262 onto which is mounted a microswitch 264, both of whichare illustrated in FIGS. 25A & 25B. Additionally a cable cover element270, which is described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 18A & 18B,is also mounted on second housing element 120.

Also mounted onto second housing element 120 is a solar electricitygenerating panel 280, which is retained onto second housing element 120by a solar panel engagement element 282, and a buzzer 284.

Additionally mounted onto second housing portion is a printed circuitboard 288 onto which is mounted a microswitch 290, as seen in FIGS. 26A& 26B,

A compression spring 292 is provided for urging flag positioning element150 and flag positioning vehicle engagement element 160 axially alongaxis 134 in a direction indicated by an arrow 294. A screw 296 retains awasher 298 in tight engagement with flag positioning element 150.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A and 6B, which are simplified pictorialillustrations, taken in mutually different directions, of first housingelement cover element 220 forming part of the vehicle-mountable childprotective device 100 of FIGS. 5B. As seen particularly in FIG. 6A,element 220 defines a socket 302 for receiving rechargeable battery 232,a socket 304 for receiving an optional Bluetooth connector and a socket306 for receiving a battery connector.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A and 7B, which are simplified pictorialillustrations, taken in mutually different directions, of battery coverelement 230 forming part of the vehicle-mountable child protectivedevice of FIGS. 1-6B.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A and 8B, which are simplified pictorialillustrations, taken in mutually different directions, of circuit board240, forming part of the vehicle-mountable child protective device ofFIGS. 1-7B. Circuit board 240 preferably includes a temperature sensor(not shown).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A and 9B, which are simplified pictorialillustrations, taken in mutually different directions, of flagpositioning element 150, forming part of the vehicle-mountable childprotective device of FIGS. 1-8B, and to FIGS. 9C and 9D, which arerespective simplified sectional illustrations, taken respective linesC-C and D-D in FIGS. 9A & 9B.

As seen in FIGS. 9A-9D, flag positioning element 150 is a generallycylindrical side to side symmetric element having an outer cylindricalwall 330 and an inner cylindrical wall 332, which are joined at an endwall 334. Inner cylindrical wall 332 defines a threaded bore 336 andterminates at an annular surface 338. Inner cylindrical wall 332 alsodefines an elongate protrusion 339. Bore 336 tightly receives screw 296and tightly retains washer 298 against annular surface 338. Bore 336 isaligned with a recess 340 surrounded by a cylindrical wall 342. Recess340 rotatably receives flag positioning vehicle engagement element 160.Cylindrical wall 342 defines a radially outwardly extending taperedflange 344.

Outer cylindrical wall 330 is formed with a plurality of elongaterecesses 346 which extend to end wall 334, a circumferential recess 348and a plurality, typically 3, of recesses 350, which extend fromcircumferential recess 348 towards end wall 334.

End wall 334 is preferably formed with a plurality, typically 4, ofradially extending protrusions 352, which extend outwardly fromcylindrical wall portion 342.

Circumferential recess 348 terminates at a rim 354 which is formed witha slot 356.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A and 10B, which are simplifiedpictorial illustrations, taken in mutually different directions, of flagpositioning vehicle engagement element 160, forming part of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-9D. Flagpositioning vehicle engagement element 160 is adapted for selectablerotational orientation relative to flag positioning element 150, therebyto adapt the vehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-9D foruse with various vehicle configurations.

Flag positioning vehicle engagement element 160 is a relativelyresilient element and, as seen in FIGS. 10A & 10B, includes a generallycylindrical wall portion 370 and a flat end portion 372 as well as twooppositely tapered end portions 374 and 376. Flag positioning vehicleengagement element 160 also preferably includes a generally planar innersurface 380 having a central recess 382, which is formed with anundercut rim for being retained by flange 344 of flag positioningelement 150 and a central rounded protrusion 384 within the centralrecess 382, which central protrusion seats in recess 340 of flagpositioning element 150 (FIGS. 9A-9D) in a manner which absorbs impactdue to closing of a vehicle door onto which the device 100 is mounted.Surrounding central recess 382 is a peripheral recess 386 and extendingoutwardly from peripheral recess 386 are a plurality of radiallyextending recesses 388 which correspond to and receive radiallyextending protrusions 352 of flag positioning element 150 (FIGS. 9A-9D).Radially extending recesses 388 are configured to receive protrusions352 of flag positioning element 150 (FIGS. 9A-9D) so as to retain flagpositioning vehicle engagement element 160 in a user-selected azimuthalorientation about axis 134 until changed by the user. Normally, if thedevice 100 is being used on a single vehicle, this azimuthal orientationwill not be changed by the user after initial installation as describedhereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 33A-33D.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A and 11B, which are simplifiedpictorial illustrations, taken in mutually different directions, ofretaining element 200 forming part of the vehicle-mountable childprotective device of FIGS. 1-10B, Retaining element 200 is a highlyflexible element, which is mounted onto first housing element 110.Operation of retaining element 200 is described hereinbelow withreference to FIGS. 33A-33D.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A and 12B, which are simplifiedpictorial illustrations, taken in mutually different directions, of flagelement 130, forming part of the vehicle-mountable child protectivedevice of FIGS. 1-11B. As seen in FIGS. 12A & 12B, flag element 130includes flag portion 131, which is preferably integrally formed, as byco-molding, with flag base 132 and is configured for rotatable mountingonto first housing element 110 for selectable rotational positioningthereof about axis 134.

Flag base 132 is a generally cylindrical portion having first and secondgenerally circular cylindrical outer surfaces 390 and 392 separated by ashoulder 394. Flag base 132 also includes a circular cylindrical innersurface 400 having a radially inwardly extending protrusion 402 formedtherein. Inner surface 400 terminates at a shoulder, which defines anannular surface 406. Annular surface 406 is surrounded by a pair ofsemi-circular side-by-side shoulders 408 and 410, which are separated bya pair of radially inwardly facing protrusions 412. Generally circularcylindrical outer surface 390 is formed with a tapered radiallyoutwardly directed protrusion 414, which lies azimuthally opposite toflag portion 131. A coil spring socket 416 is aligned with protrusion414 for connection to an end of spring 142.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A and 13B, which are simplifiedpictorial illustrations, taken in mutually different directions, ofenvironmental sealing element 210, forming part of the vehicle-mountablechild protective device of FIGS. 1 12B. As seen in FIGS. 13A & 13B,environmental sealing element 210 is a generally planar, generallyrectangular element, preferably formed of a resilient material and has anon-uniform thickness. Environmental sealing element 170 is formed witha semicircular recess 420, configured to slidably accommodate outercylindrical surface 392 of flag base 132.

A pair of mounting protrusions 422 are provided on a surface 424 ofenvironmental sealing element 210 for mounting of environmental sealingelement 210 onto first housing element 110. Environmental sealingelement 210 is configured to seal the volume defined between first andsecond housing elements 110 and 120 from dust and contamination.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C, which are respectivesimplified pictorial exploded view and first and second assembled viewillustrations, taken in mutually different directions, of flexibleconductor assembly forming part of the vehicle-mountable childprotective device of FIGS. 1-13B.

As seen in FIGS. 14A-14C, the flexible conductor assembly includesflexible conductor support 242 and flexible conductor cable 244.Flexible conductor cable 244 interconnects electrical circuit board 240with electrical circuit board 262.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C, which are respectivesimplified first and second pictorial illustrations, taken in mutuallydifferent directions, and a planar illustration of first flag engagementelement 170, forming part of the vehicle-mountable child protectivedevice of FIGS. 1-14C.

As seen in FIGS. 15A-15C, first flag engagement element 170 is agenerally circular element having a planar annular surface 440, aradially outwardly-extending flange 442 having a pair ofoppositely-directed recesses 444 and preferably four mutually evenlyazimuthally spaced protrusions 446, which extend radially outwardly andaxially from flange 442. Recesses 444 are configured to selectablyreceive protrusions 412 of flag base 132 in a first flag lockingoperative orientation.

When the device 100 is not in the first flag locking operativeorientation, protrusions 412 are in rotatable sliding engagement withflange 442 for relative rotation about axis 134.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 16A-16E, which illustrate outdoorcircuitry housing portion element 250, FIGS. 17A and 17B, whichillustrate outdoor circuitry housing portion cover element 260, FIGS.25A and 25B, which illustrate electrical circuit board 262, whichtogether define outdoor circuitry assembly 246, which is illustrated inFIGS. 27A 27C and forms part of the vehicle-mountable child protectivedevice of FIGS. 1-15C.

It is appreciated that elements 250 and 260 define an environmentallysealed enclosure for electrical circuit board 262 and that outdoorcircuitry housing portion element 250 of outdoor circuitry assembly 246includes a resilient portion 450, which overlies microswitch 264 onelectrical circuit board 262 and enables actuation of microswitch 264 byprotrusion 414 of flag base 132. Such actuation occurs only when theflag portion 131 is raised and protrusion 414 engages resilient portion450, pushing it downwards, in the sense of FIGS. 27A-27C, intoengagement with microswitch 264. Accordingly, microswitch 264 providesan output indication of the flag portion 131 being in a raised position.

Element 250 also defines a recess 452 and a recess 454.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 18A & 18B, which are simplified pictorialillustrations, taken in mutually different directions, of cable coverelement 270, forming part of the vehicle-mountable child protectivedevice of FIGS. 1-17B. It is appreciated that cable cover element 270provides mechanical protection for electrical cables which interconnectthe solar electricity generating panel 280 with electrical circuit board262.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D and 19E, which arerespective simplified pictorial and planar illustrations, taken inmutually different directions, and a sectional illustration of thirdflag engagement element 190 forming part of the vehicle-mountable childprotective device of FIGS. 1-18B.

As seen in FIGS. 19A-19E, the third flag engagement element 190 is agenerally circularly symmetric element including a base portion 460 ontowhich is mounted a stepped generally cylindrical portion 462. Baseportion 460 includes a plurality of equally azimuthally spaced apertures464, which are configured to receive protrusions 446 of first flagengagement element 170, such that spring 180 is retained between baseportion 460 and first flag engagement element 170 about generallycylindrical portion 462 and urges first flag engagement element 170axially along axis 134 away from base portion 460.

Cylindrical portion 462 is formed with a central bore 466 and a radiallyinwardly extending flange 468, which retains washer 298 and thus retainsflag positioning element 150 against disengagement from the third flagengagement element 190. Rotation of flag positioning element 150 aboutaxis 134 relative to third flag engagement element 190 is prevented byengagement of protrusion 339 of flag positioning element 150 with a cutout 470 formed in flange 468, which permits relative axial displacementbetween flag positioning element 150 along axis 134 relative to thirdflag engagement element 190.

Stepped generally cylindrical portion 462 defines a shoulder 472 alongan outer surface thereof, which defines a spring seat for spring 292.Base portion 460 defines a circular protrusion 474, which defines aspring seat for spring 180.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D, which aresimplified pictorial and planar illustrations, taken in mutuallydifferent directions, of first housing element 110 forming part of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-19E, and to FIGS.20E and 20F, which are simplified respective planar sectional andpictorial sectional illustrations of the first housing element of FIGS.20A-20D, both taken along section lines F-F in FIG. 20A.

As seen in FIGS. 20A-20F, first housing element 110 is preferably anintegrally formed injection-molded plastic element, which includes aninside vehicle portion 502 and an outside vehicle portion 504 joined bya vehicle engagement portion 506.

Inside vehicle portion 502 preferably includes a generally rectangularopen box portion 512, arrange to accommodate electrical circuit board240, including a generally planar interior-facing surface 514,surrounded by a peripheral wall 516, extending generally perpendicularthereto. A pair of screw bosses 518 are provided for receiving screws(not shown) which mount first housing element cover element 220 ontoinside vehicle portion 502. Inside vehicle portion 502 is formed with anaperture 520 to accommodate passage therethrough of the flexibleconductor assembly (FIGS. 14A-14C) including flexible conductor cable244, which interconnects electrical circuit hoard 240 with electricalcircuit board 262.

Vehicle engagement portion 506 extends upwardly and outwardly of a topportion of peripheral wall 516 and comprises three mutually folded overportions 522, 524 and 526. Portions 522 and 524 define therebetween avehicle window edge receiving recess 528. Portions 524 and 526 definetherebetween a vehicle door receiving recess 530. Formed on an interiorfacing surface 532 of portion 522 is an elongate undercut hook 534 forremovably retaining an end of flexible retaining element 200, when thedevice 100 is mounted on a vehicle door, with the vehicle window closed,as illustrated in FIG. 33D. Formed on an upper-facing surface 536 ofperipheral wall 516 is an elongate protrusion 538, which cooperates withhook 534 for retaining flexible retaining element 200 thereat.

It is appreciated that vehicle engagement portion 506 providesbendability and flexibility to the first housing element 110 toaccommodate mutual displacement of inside vehicle portion 502 andoutside vehicle portion 504 when the vehicle door is opened and closed.

Outside vehicle portion 504 extends upwardly from portion 526 anddefines a generally rectangular interior-facing surface 540 having apair of apertures 542 for accommodating screws (not shown) which attachfirst housing element 110 to second housing element 120. Surface 540also defines a generally circular aperture 544 having a plurality,typically five, of non-uniformly azimuthally distributed protrusions 546extending radially inwardly thereof for slidably engaging flagpositioning element 150 at elongate recesses 346 thereof hut notpermitting rotational movement thereof about axis 134.

On an interior surface 547 of outside vehicle portion 504, opposite tosurface 540, there are formed a pair of press fit bosses 548 forreceiving corresponding protrusions 424 of environmental sealing element210 (FIGS. 13A & 13B). Also formed on interior surface 547 of outsidevehicle portion 504 are a pair of screw bosses 552, which correspond toapertures 542 and a pair of screw bosses 554, which receive screws (notshown) which also attach first housing element 110 to second housingelement 120.

Additionally formed on interior surface 547 of outside vehicle portion504 are a pair of screw bosses 558, which are configured to receive apair of screws (not shown) which mount outdoor circuitry assembly 246(FIGS. 27A-27C) onto first housing portion 110. A pin 560 is also formedon interior surface 547 and defines a spring seat for one end of spring142, the other end of which is mounted onto protrusion 414 of flag base132 (FIG. 12A). Pin 560 also is seated in recess 452 formed on element250 for securely seating of outdoor circuitry assembly 246 onto firsthousing element 110, thereby to define therebetween a springdisplacement region 561 therebetween which is delimited by outwardlyfacing mutually angled adjacent ribs 562 and by recess 454 of outdoorcircuitry assembly 246.

A plurality of mounting protrusions 564 are defined alongside ribs 562and outwardly of the spring displacement region 561. Protrusions 564preferably engage corresponding apertures in flexible retaining element200 for mounting of flexible retaining element 200 onto the firsthousing element 110.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 21A and 21B, which are simplifiedpictorial illustrations, taken in mutually different directions, ofsolar electricity generating panel 280, forming part of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-20C. Solarelectricity generating panel 280 may be any suitable solar electricitygenerating panel.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 22A and 22B, which are simplifiedpictorial illustrations, taken in mutually different directions, ofsolar panel engagement element 282, which retains solar electricitygenerating panel 280 onto second housing element 120.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D and 23E, which arerespective simplified pictorial and planar illustrations, taken inmutually different directions, and a sectional illustration of secondhousing element 120, forming part of the vehicle-mountable childprotective device of FIGS. 1-19C.

As seen in FIGS. 23A-23E, the second housing element 120 comprises alower portion 602, a flexible intermediate portion 604 and an upperportion 606. Lower portion 602 defines a recess 612 for receiving solarelectricity generating panel 280 (FIGS. 21A & 21B), which is snap-fitretained in recess 612 by solar panel engagement element 282 (FIGS. 22A& 22B).

Upper portion 606 defines an outer-facing surface 620 having anapertured grill portion 622 for permitting sound from buzzer 284 (FIGS.5A & 5B) to emanate therethough. Referring particularly to FIGS. 23A &23B and additionally to FIG. 24, it is seen that an inner-facing surface630 of upper portion 606 defines a socket 632, opposite grill portion622, for accommodating buzzer 284 and that an inner-facing surface 634of flexible intermediate portion 604 defines a narrow recess 636 and anaperture 638 for accommodating an electrical cable 640 (FIG. 5B)connecting buzzer 284 to electrical circuit board 262. Cable coverelement 270, which is described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 18A& 18B, is seated in recess 636 over cable 640 and protects cable 640against the environment.

Disposed above socket 632 on inner-facing surface 630 of upper portion606 is a socket 650 for retaining third flag engagement element 190 andelectrical circuit board 288 (FIGS. 26A & 26B). Socket 650 is formedwith a plurality of, preferably four, recesses 652 for accommodatingmutually evenly azimuthally spaced protrusions 446 of first flagengagement element 170 (FIGS. 15A-15C).

Inner-facing surface 630 is additionally formed with a pair of screwbosses 654, which correspond to screw bosses 552, and a pair of screwbosses 656, which correspond to screw bosses 554 of first housingelement 110 (FIGS. 20A-20E)

Reference is now made to FIGS. 25A and 25B, which are simplifiedrespective first and second pictorial illustrations, taken in mutuallydifferent directions, of printed circuit board 262 forming part ofoutdoor circuitry assembly 246, as seen in FIGS. 27A-27C.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 26A and 26B, which are simplifiedrespective first and second pictorial illustrations, taken in mutuallydifferent directions, of printed circuit board 288, onto which ismounted microswitch 290, both of which are mounted onto socket 650 inthe second housing portion 120.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C, which are simplifiedillustrations of the flag positioning assembly forming part of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-27C in threealternative flag positions. As seen in FIGS. 28A-28C, the flag element130 has two inactivated lowered positions, seen in FIGS. 28A and 28C,and one activated raised position, seen in FIG. 28B. It is appreciatedthat spring 142 is a tension spring that normally urges the flag element130 to the raised position shown in FIG. 28B unless it is locked by oneof two locking mechanisms described herein in one of the inactivatedlowered positions shown in FIGS. 28A and 28C. It is further appreciatedthat the flag element 130 can only be lowered from the raised activatedposition shown in FIG. 28B by rotation about axis 134 by manual actionof a user and only when not locked in the raised position.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 29A and 29B, which are respectivesimplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of part of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-28C in a firstoperative orientation, FIG. 29B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 29A.

It is seen that in the operative orientation of FIGS. 29A and 29B, thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-28C is in anunmounted orientation or in a flag lowered, door-opened orientation.Accordingly, flag positioning element 150 and flag positioning vehicleengagement element 160 are spaced from third flag engagement element 190under the urging of compression spring 292 along axis 134.

In this operative orientation, the flag portion 131 is locked in one ofthe two inactivated lowered positions shown in FIGS. 28A and 28C. Thislocking is provided by locking engagement between first flag engagementelement 170 and flag base 132, by virtue of engagement between radiallyinwardly facing protrusions 412 of flag base 132 and recesses 444 formedin first flag engagement element 170 under the urging of second flagengagement element 180 along axis 134 and against the urging of spring142.

It is also seen that screw 296 is not in contact with microswitch 290,indicating that the device is not mounted on a vehicle door or that thevehicle door is open, and that resilient portion 450 is not engaged bytapered radially outwardly directed protrusion 414 and thus microswitch264 is not engaged, indicating that flag portion 131 is not in theraised position. In this operative orientation, electronic circuitry ofthe vehicle-mountable child protective device 100 is not actuated.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 30A and 30B, which are respectivesimplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-28C in a secondoperative orientation. FIG. 30B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 30A.

It is seen that in the operative orientation of FIGS. 30A and 30B, thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-28C is in a mountedand flag lowered, door-closed orientation. Accordingly, flag positioningvehicle engagement element 160 is engaged by a vehicle wall, as seenhereinbelow in FIG. 34B, thereby displacing vehicle engagement element160 and flag positioning element 150 against the urging of compressionspring 292 along axis 134 in a direction indicated by an arrow 700, suchthat flag positioning element 150 lockingly engages flag base 132 andonce this locking has been realized eliminates the previous lockingengagement between first flag engagement element 170 and flag base 132.In this operative orientation, the flag portion 131 remains locked inone of the two inactivated lowered positions shown in FIGS. 28A and 28C.

The locking between flag positioning element 150 and flag base 132 isrealized by engagement between radially inwardly extending protrusion402 formed on circular cylindrical inner surface 400 of flag base 132and recess 350 of outer cylindrical wall 330 of flag positioning element150, against the urging of second flag engagement element 180.

It is also seen that due to displacement of flag positioning element150, against the urging of compression spring 292, along axis 134, inthe direction indicated by arrow 700, screw 296 is in contact withmicroswitch 290, indicating that the vehicle door is closed. It isfurther seen that resilient portion 450 is still not engaged by taperedradially outwardly directed protrusion 414 and thus microswitch 264 isnot engaged, indicating that flag portion 131 is not in the raisedposition. In this operative orientation, electronic circuitry of thevehicle-mountable child protective device 100 is not actuated.

It is appreciated that elimination of the previous locking engagementbetween first flag engagement element 170 and flag base 132 enables flagbase 132 to rotate very slightly about axis 134 under the urging ofspring 142, such that protrusions 412 of flag base 132 lie againstradially outwardly-extending flange 442 of first flag engagement element170 and cannot lockingly engage recess 444 thereof.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 31A and 31B, which are respectivesimplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-28C in a thirdoperative orientation, FIG. 31B being taken along lines B-B FIG. 31A.

It is seen that in the operative orientation of FIGS. 31A and 31B, thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-28C is in a mountedand flag raised, door-opened orientation. It is in this operativeorientation that it is expected that a child will be placed within thevehicle. Accordingly, flag positioning vehicle engagement element 160 isno longer engaged by a vehicle wall, as seen in FIG. 34C, therebydisplacing vehicle engagement element 160 and flag positioning element150 under the urging of compression spring 292 along axis 134 in adirection indicated by an arrow 702, opposite to the direction indicatedby arrow 700, such that flag positioning element 150 no longer lockinglyengages flag base 132. This enables flag element 130 to assume theactivated raised position, seen in FIG. 28B, under the urging of spring142.

The unlocking of flag positioning element 150 from flag base 132 isrealized by disengagement between radially inwardly extending protrusion402 formed on circular cylindrical inner surface 400 of flag base 132and recess 350 of outer cylindrical wall 330 of flag positioning element150.

It is also seen that due to displacement of flag positioning element150, under the urging of compression spring 292, along axis 134, in thedirection of arrow 702, screw 296 is no longer in contact withmicroswitch 290, indicating that the vehicle door is open. It is furtherseen that resilient portion 450 is engaged by tapered radially outwardlydirected protrusion 414 due to rotation of the flag element to a raisedposition and thus microswitch 264 is engaged, indicating that flagportion 131 is in the raised position. In this operative orientation,the electronic circuitry of the vehicle-mountable child protectivedevice 100 is ready to be actuated by closing the vehicle door, wherebyscrew 296 comes in contact with microswitch 290, as describedhereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 32A and 3211. If, however, a childis not placed in the vehicle at this stage, the user may manually lowerthe flag portion 131 to one of the two lowered positions shown in FIGS.28A and 28C, thereby deactuating the system by returning thevehicle-mountable child protective device to the operative orientationshown in FIGS. 29A and 29B.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 32A and 32B, which are respectivesimplified pictorial and sectional illustrations of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-28C in a fourthoperative orientation, FIG. 32B being taken along lines B-B in FIG. 32A.

It is seen that in the operative orientation of FIGS. 32A and 32B, thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-28C is in a mountedand flag raised, door-closed orientation. It is expected that in thisoperative orientation, a child is located within the vehicle. Flagpositioning vehicle engagement element 160 is engaged by a vehicle wall,as seen in FIG. 34D, thereby displacing vehicle engagement element 160and flag positioning element 150 against the urging of compressionspring 292 along axis 134 in the direction of arrow 700. Flag portion131 of flag element 130 is locked in the raised position by lockingengagement between radially inwardly extending protrusion 402 formed oncircular cylindrical inner surface 400 of flag base 132 and recess 350of outer cylindrical wall 330 of flag positioning element 150.

It is also seen that due to displacement of flag positioning element 150against the urging of compression spring 292 along axis 134 in thedirection of arrow 700, screw 296 is in contact with microswitch 290,indicating that the vehicle door is closed. It is further seen thatresilient portion 450 remains engaged by tapered radially outwardlydirected protrusion 414 due to the flag element 130 being in a raisedposition and thus microswitch 264 is engaged, indicating that flagportion 131 is in the raised position. It is appreciated that in thisoperative orientation, the electronic circuitry of the vehicle-mountablechild protective device 100 is actuated and operative to generate one ormore alerts, as necessary, as described hereinbelow with reference toFIGS. 34E & 34F.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 33A, 33B, 33C and 33D, which aresimplified pictorial illustrations of mounting of the vehicle-mountablechild protective device of FIGS. 1-32B on a vehicle door.

Turning initially to FIGS. 33A and 33B, it is seen that the childprotective device 100 of FIGS. 1-32B is mounted onto a vehicle door 708,when the door 708 is open and the window, here indicated by referencenumeral 710, is partially lowered. The child protective device 100 ismounted onto the partially lowered window 710 such that a top edgeportion 712 of the window 710 is seated in vehicle window edge receivingrecess 528 (FIG. 20C) of vehicle engagement portion 506 of first housingelement 110.

The vehicle window 710 is then fully closed, as seen in FIG. 33C.Thereafter, as seen in FIG. 33C, flexible retaining element 200 isfolded over the door frame, here designated by reference numeral 714,and retained by engagement with undercut hook 534, as seen in FIG. 33D.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E, 34F, 34G and34H, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of thevehicle-mountable child protective device of FIGS. 1-28C in variousoperative orientations, and to FIG. 35, which is a simplified flow chartindicating various operative stages of the vehicle-mountable childprotective device of FIGS. 1-34H.

As seen in FIG. 34A, in a first, pre-operational stage, indicated by Iin FIG. 35, the vehicle-mountable child protective device 100 is mountedonto the window 710 of vehicle door 708 of a vehicle 720, as seen inFIGS. 33A 33D. Flexible retaining element 200 is folded over the doorframe 714 of vehicle 720 and retained by engagement with undercut hook534. The flag portion 131 is in one of the two lowered orientationsshown in FIGS. 28A and 28C. As seen in FIG. 34A, the vehicle door 708 isopen and flag positioning vehicle engagement element 160 does not engagethe vehicle 720. The electronic circuitry of the vehicle-mountable childprotective device 100 is in an OFF or sleep state.

As seen in FIG. 34B, in a second stage, indicated by II in FIG. 35, thedoor 708 of the vehicle 720, onto which the vehicle-mountable childprotective device 100 is mounted, is closed.

The closing of door 708 causes flag positioning vehicle engagementelement 160 to engage a surface 722 of the vehicle 720, causing the flagportion 131 to be locked in the lowered operative orientation, asdescribed hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 30A & 30B, by lockingengagement between radially inwardly extending protrusion 402 formed oncircular cylindrical inner surface 400 of flag base 132 and recess 350of outer cylindrical wall 330 of flag positioning element 150, againstthe urging of second flag engagement element 180. Closing of the door708 causes microswitch 290 to be engaged, thus preparing the electroniccircuitry of the vehicle-mountable child protective device 100 foractuation.

As seen in FIG. 34C, at a third stage, indicated by III in FIG. 35, thedoor 708 of the vehicle 720, onto which the vehicle-mountable childprotective device 100 is mounted, is opened, resulting in disengagementof the flag positioning vehicle engagement element 160 from the vehicleand causing the flag portion 131 to automatically move to its raisedoperative orientation, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.31A and 31B.

Microswitch 290 is disengaged, indicating that the door 708 is now open,and microswitch 264 is engaged as a result of the flag portion 131 beingin its raised operative orientation. An LED, preferably a green LED, ispreferably provided on first housing element 110 and is illuminated toindicate that the flag portion is now raised and vehicle-mountable childprotective device 100 is operating properly.

Additionally, at a next stage, as indicated by IV in FIG. 35, theelectronic circuitry of vehicle-mounted child protective device 100 isready for communication with a remote controller, here indicated byreference numeral 730. It is appreciated that the remote controller maybe any suitable remote controller and may also be embodied in an appinstalled on a cellular telephone or other mobile device. It isappreciated that either or both of the vehicle-mounted child protectivedevice 100 and remote controller 730 or cellular telephone or othermobile device may also be operative to communicate with emergencyservices and/or emergency personnel in the event an alert conditionremains in effect for longer than a predetermined time duration,typically 60 seconds.

Preferably, at a next stage, indicated by V in FIG. 35, communication,such as short range RF communication, between remote controller 730 andvehicle-mounted child protective device 100 is established at thisstage, either automatically or by a user pressing a button 732 of remotecontroller 730 or via the app installed on a cellular telephone or othermobile device. Preferably, a sound is emitted by the remote controller730 or the mobile device to confirm the integrity of communicationsbetween the vehicle-mounted child protective device 100 and remotecontroller 730 or mobile device. The integrity of communications isrepeatedly verified between the vehicle-mounted child protective device100 and remote controller 730 and failure of communications between thevehicle-mounted child protective device 100 and remote controller 730results in a sound, light and vibration alert generated by the remotecontroller 730.

Additionally, at this stage, the door 708 of the vehicle 720, onto whichthe vehicle-mountable child protective device 100 is mounted, remainsopen and flag portion 131 remains in the raised operative orientation,described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 31A and 31B. Theelectronic circuitry repeatedly monitors the separation distance of theremote contract 730 from the vehicle-mounted child protective device100, preferably every 3-4 seconds. Additionally, as describedhereinabove, the vehicle-mountable child protective device 100 alsopreferably includes a temperature sensor (not shown), located on circuitboard 240, and the electronic circuitry also monitors the temperatureinside the vehicle,

When the door 708 is open and flag portion 131 is in the raisedoperative orientation shown in FIG. 34C, a next stage, indicated by VIin FIG. 35, occurs in the event that the remote controller 730 or mobiledevice is separated from the vehicle-mounted child protective device 100by more than a predetermined distance, typically 5 meters, causing aninterruption of communication between the remote controller 730 and thevehicle-mounted child protective device 100. When such an interruptionoccurs for more than a predetermined time duration, typically 3-5seconds, the remote controller 730 emits a sound and light warning whichcontinues until the remote controller is again within the predetermineddistance from the vehicle. The remote controller 730 also preferablyprovides a tactile warning.

Additionally, as described hereinabove, the vehicle-mountable childprotective device 100 also preferably includes a temperature sensor (notshown), located on circuit board 240, and the electronic circuitry alsomonitors the temperature inside the vehicle. When the temperature insidethe vehicle 720 exceeds a predetermined upper bound, typically 45degrees C., for more than a predetermined time duration, typically 3-5seconds, the remote controller 730 emits a sound and light warning whichcontinues until the temperature is below the predetermined upper boundor the flag portion 131 is lowered. The remote controller 730 alsopreferably provides a tactile warning. The temperature exceedancewarnings may be different from the separate distance warnings.

At a next stage, indicated by VII in FIG. 35 and illustrated in FIG.34D, the door 708 of the vehicle 720, onto which the vehicle-mountablechild protective device 100 is mounted, is subsequently closed, causingflag positioning vehicle engagement element 160 to engage the vehicle720 causing the flag portion 131 to be locked in the raised operativeorientation, as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 32A and32B. Closing of the door 708 also causes microswitch 290 to be engagedand the electronic circuitry of the vehicle-mountable child protectivedevice 100 to be fully actuated. The electronic circuity repeatedlymonitors the separation distance of the remote controller 730 from thevehicle-mounted child protective device 100, preferably every 3-4seconds.

Additionally, as described hereinabove, the vehicle-mountable childprotective device 100 also preferably includes a temperature sensor (notshown), located on circuit board 240, and the electronic circuitry alsomonitors the temperature inside the vehicle. When the temperature insidethe vehicle 720 exceeds a predetermined upper bound, typically 45degrees C., for more than a predetermined time duration, typically 3-5seconds, the remote controller 730 emits a sound and light warning whichcontinues until the temperature is below the predetermined upper boundor the flag portion 131 is lowered. The remote controller 730 alsopreferably provides a tactile warning. The temperature exceedancewarnings may be different from the separate distance warnings.

When the door 708 is closed and flag portion 131 is in the raisedoperative orientation shown in FIG. 34D, a next stage, indicated by VIIIin FIG. 35, occurs in the event that the remote controller 730 isseparated from the vehicle-mounted child protective device 100 by morethan a predetermined distance, typically 5 meters, as illustrated inFIG. 34E, causing an interruption of communication between the remotecontroller 730 and the vehicle-mounted child protective device 100. Whensuch an interruption occurs for more than a predetermined time duration,typically 3-5 seconds, at least one of, and preferably both of, theremote controller 730 and the vehicle-mounted child protective device100 emit a sound and light warning which continues until the remotecontroller 730 is again within the predetermined distance from thevehicle. The remote controller 730 also preferably provides a tactilewarning. The sound and light alert generated by the vehicle-mountedchild protective device 100 preferably employs buzzer 284 and one of theLEDs provided on first housing element 110.

A next stage, indicated by IX in FIG. 35, occurs when the remotecontroller 730 is moved so that it is within the predetermined distanceof the vehicle-mounted child protective device 100, as seen in FIG. 34F,and RF communication between the remote controller 730 and thevehicle-mounted child protective device 100 are re-established. Thesound, light and tactile warnings are terminated as described above.

When the door 708 is closed and flag portion 131 is in the raisedoperative orientation shown in FIG. 34D, another stage, indicated by Xin FIG. 35, occurs when the temperature inside the vehicle 720 exceeds apredetermined upper bound, typically 45 degrees C., as illustrated inFIG. 34G. When such a temperature exceedance occurs for more than apredetermined time duration, typically 3-5 seconds, at least one of, andpreferably both of, the remote controller 730 and the vehicle-mountedchild protective device 100 emit a sound and light warning whichcontinues until the temperature is below the predetermined upper houndor the vehicle door 708 is again opened and the flag portion 131 ismanually lowered. The remote controller 730 also preferably provides atactile warning. The temperature exceedance warnings may be differentfrom the separate distance warnings.

Another stage, indicated by XI in FIG. 35, occurs when the door 708 ofthe vehicle 720, onto which the vehicle-mountable child protectivedevice 100 is mounted, is again opened, as seen in FIG. 34H, resultingin disengagement of the flag positioning vehicle engagement element 160from the vehicle 720 and unlocking the flag portion 131, as describedhereinabove with reference to FIGS. 29A and 29B, to enable it to bemanually moved to its lowered operative orientation.

Another stage, indicated by XII in FIG. 35, occurs when the flag portion131 is manually lowered to its lowered operative orientation, thevehicle-mountable child protective device 100 returns to the orientationdescribed in the first stage above and the electronic circuitry of thevehicle-mountable child protective device 100 and of the remotecontroller 730 is deactuated. Temperature monitoring of the interior ofthe vehicle is terminated or does not provide a warning of temperaturelimit exceedance.

Following the manual lowering of flag portion 131 as shown in FIG. 34H,a next stage, indicated by XIII in FIG. 35, which may be identical tothe second stage described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 34B andindicated by II in FIG. 35, occurs when the door 708 of the vehicle 720,onto which the vehicle-mountable child protective device 100 is mounted,is subsequently closed. Flag positioning vehicle engagement element 160engages the vehicle 720 causing the flag portion 131 to be locked in alowered operative orientation. Closing of the door 708 also causesmicroswitch 290 to be engaged and the electronic circuitry of thevehicle-mountable child protective device 100 to be ready for actuation.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereabove. Rather the invention includes both combinations andsubcombinations of features described hereinabove and modificationsthereof which are not in the prior art.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A child protective vehicle door monitoring andwarning system comprising: a vehicle-mounted door opening monitoroperative to provide an output indication of at least one of vehicledoor opening and closing; a potential danger assessment subsystem,receiving said output indication from said vehicle-mounted door openingmonitor, ascertaining whether there exists at least one of door openingand door closing that could be indicative of a potentially dangeroussituation of a child having been left in a stationary vehicle havingclosed doors and communicating a warning of the existence of saidpotentially dangerous situation to a user at least via a user's mobiledevice, said potential danger subsystem being operative to communicatesaid warning when a temperature inside said vehicle exceeds apredetermined threshold; and a vehicle-mounted potentially dangeroussituation resolution subsystem operative, following said communicating,to terminate said warning.
 22. A child protective vehicle door openingand warning system according to claim 21 and wherein saidvehicle-mounted potentially dangerous situation resolution subsystem isoperative to terminate said warning in response to at least one of auser opening a door of said vehicle and a user performing an actionwhich requires that the user is physically present at said vehicle. 23.A child protective vehicle door monitoring and warning system accordingto claim 21 and wherein said potential danger assessment subsystem isoperative to communicate a warning of the existence of said potentiallydangerous situation when the mobile device is located at least at apredetermined distance from said vehicle.
 24. A child protective vehicledoor monitoring and warning system according to claim 21 and wherein atleast part of said potential danger assessment subsystem is embodied inan app.
 25. A child protective vehicle door monitoring and warningsystem according to claim 24 and wherein said app is an app installed onsaid user's mobile device.
 26. A child protective vehicle doormonitoring and warning system according to claim 21 and wherein saiduser's mobile device is a wireless key fob also employed for locking andunlocking said door of said vehicle.
 27. A child protective vehicle doormonitoring and warning system according to claim 21 and wherein saidvehicle-mounted door opening monitor comprises a visual indicator.
 28. Achild protective vehicle door monitoring and warning system according toclaim 27 and wherein said visual indicator comprises a flag portion,which is rotatable between a lowered position and a raised position. 29.A child protective vehicle door monitoring and warning system accordingto claim 28 and wherein said flag portion is outside of and above saidvehicle when in said raised position.
 30. A child protective vehicledoor monitoring and warning method comprising: monitoring at least oneof opening and closing of a vehicle door; receiving, based on saidmonitoring, an output indication of said at least one of vehicle dooropening and closing; ascertaining, based on said output indication, thatthere exists at least one of door opening and door closing that isindicative of a potentially dangerous situation of a child having beenleft in a stationary vehicle having closed doors; communicating awarning of the existence of said potentially dangerous situation to auser at least via a mobile device of said user when a temperature insidesaid vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold; and terminating saidwarning in response to a user action.
 31. A child protective vehicledoor monitoring and warning method according to claim 30 and whereinsaid user action comprises at least one of: opening of said vehicledoor; and an action which requires that the user be physically presentat said vehicle.
 32. A child protective vehicle door monitoring andwarning method according to claim 30 and wherein said communicating awarning comprises communicating said warning when said mobile device islocated at least at a predetermined distance from said vehicle.